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Sousa CS, Monteiro A, Salgado AJ, Silva NA. Combinatorial therapies for spinal cord injury repair. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1293-1308. [PMID: 38845223 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries have profound detrimental effects on individuals, regardless of whether they are caused by trauma or non-traumatic events. The compromised regeneration of the spinal cord is primarily attributed to damaged neurons, inhibitory molecules, dysfunctional immune response, and glial scarring. Unfortunately, currently, there are no effective treatments available that can fully repair the spinal cord and improve functional outcomes. Nevertheless, numerous pre-clinical approaches have been studied for spinal cord injury recovery, including using biomaterials, cells, drugs, or technological-based strategies. Combinatorial treatments, which target various aspects of spinal cord injury pathophysiology, have been extensively tested in the last decade. These approaches aim to synergistically enhance repair processes by addressing various obstacles faced during spinal cord regeneration. Thus, this review intends to provide scientists and clinicians with an overview of pre-clinical combinatorial approaches that have been developed toward the solution of spinal cord regeneration as well as update the current knowledge about spinal cord injury pathophysiology with an emphasis on the current clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, Campus de Gualtar - gualtar, Braga, Portugal
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Wu S, Xiao R, Wu Y, Xu L. Advances in tissue engineering of gellan gum-based hydrogels. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 324:121484. [PMID: 37985043 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Gellan Gum (GG) is a large, naturally occurring, linear polysaccharide with a similar structure and biological properties to the extracellular matrix. It's appropriate as a matrix material for the development of different composite materials due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and injectability. Hydrogels made from GG have found various applications in the field of Tissue Engineering (TE) in recent years after being mixed with a variety of other organic and inorganic components. These composites are considered multifunctional developing biomaterials because of their impressive mechanical capabilities, biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, etc. This review focuses on the emerging advances of GG-based hydrogels in TE, providing an overview of the applications of different types of GG-based composite materials in bone TE, cartilage TE, nervous TE, retina TE, and other fields. Moreover, the investigations of GG-based hydrogels as bioink components for 3D bioprinting in TE will be elucidated. This review offers general guidance for the development of biomaterials related to GG, as well as ideas for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyi Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Disease and Oral Health, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rongjun Xiao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Disease and Oral Health, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Laijun Xu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
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Lima R, Monteiro A, Salgado AJ, Monteiro S, Silva NA. Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approaches for Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213833. [PMID: 36430308 PMCID: PMC9698625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disabling condition that disrupts motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Despite extensive research in the last decades, SCI continues to be a global health priority affecting thousands of individuals every year. The lack of effective therapeutic strategies for patients with SCI reflects its complex pathophysiology that leads to the point of no return in its function repair and regeneration capacity. Recently, however, several studies started to uncover the intricate network of mechanisms involved in SCI leading to the development of new therapeutic approaches. In this work, we present a detailed description of the physiology and anatomy of the spinal cord and the pathophysiology of SCI. Additionally, we provide an overview of different molecular strategies that demonstrate promising potential in the modulation of the secondary injury events that promote neuroprotection or neuroregeneration. We also briefly discuss other emerging therapies, including cell-based therapies, biomaterials, and epidural electric stimulation. A successful therapy might target different pathologic events to control the progression of secondary damage of SCI and promote regeneration leading to functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lima
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Laboratory, PT Government Associated Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Laboratory, PT Government Associated Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J. Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Laboratory, PT Government Associated Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Laboratory, PT Government Associated Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A. Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Laboratory, PT Government Associated Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Vigani B, Valentino C, Sandri G, Caramella CM, Ferrari F, Rossi S. Spermidine Crosslinked Gellan Gum-Based “Hydrogel Nanofibers” as Potential Tool for the Treatment of Nervous Tissue Injuries: A Formulation Study. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:3421-3439. [PMID: 35942070 PMCID: PMC9356740 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s368960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Aim of the work was to develop a potential neural scaffold, endowed with neuroprotective and neuroregenerative potential, to be applied at the site of nervous tissue injuries: nanofibers, consisting of gellan gum (GG), spermidine (SP) and gelatin (GL), were prepared via electrospinning. SP was selected for its neuroprotective activity and cationic nature that makes it an ideal GG cross-linking agent. GL was added to improve the scaffold bioactivity. Methods Mixtures, containing 1.5% w/w GG and increasing SP concentrations (0–0.125% w/w), were prepared to investigate GG/SP interaction and, thus, to find the best mixture to be electrospun. Mixture rheological and mechanical properties were assessed. The addition of 0.1% w/w GL was also investigated. The most promising GG/SP/GL mixtures were added with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poloxamer (P407) and, then, electrospun. The resulting fibers were characterized in terms of size and mechanical properties and fiber morphology was observed after soaking in water for 24 hours. Nanofiber biocompatibility was assessed on Schwann cells. Results More and more structured GG/SP mixtures were obtained by increasing SP concentration, proving its cross-linking potential. After blending with PEO and P407, the mixture consisting of 1.5% w/w GG, 0.05% w/w SP and 0.1% w/w GL was electrospun. The resulting nanofibers appeared homogenous and characterized by a plastic behavior, suggesting a good mechanical resistance when applied at the injury site. Nanofibers were insoluble in aqueous media and able to form a thin gel layer after hydration. GG/SP/GL nanofibers showed a higher compatibility with Schwann cells than GG/SP ones. Conclusion SP and GL allowed the production of homogenous GG-based nanofibers, which preserved their structure after contact with aqueous media and showed a good compatibility with a neural cell line. After local application at the injury site, nanofibers should support and guide axonal outgrowth, releasing SP in a controlled manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Vigani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Franca Ferrari
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: Silvia Rossi, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, Pavia, 27100, Italy, Tel +39 0382987357, Fax +39 0382422975, Email
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Gellan Gum Is a Suitable Biomaterial for Manual and Bioprinted Setup of Long-Term Stable, Functional 3D-Adipose Tissue Models. Gels 2022; 8:gels8070420. [PMID: 35877505 PMCID: PMC9315477 DOI: 10.3390/gels8070420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its wide-ranging endocrine functions, adipose tissue influences the whole body’s metabolism. Engineering long-term stable and functional human adipose tissue is still challenging due to the limited availability of suitable biomaterials and adequate cell maturation. We used gellan gum (GG) to create manual and bioprinted adipose tissue models because of its similarities to the native extracellular matrix and its easily tunable properties. Gellan gum itself was neither toxic nor monocyte activating. The resulting hydrogels exhibited suitable viscoelastic properties for soft tissues and were stable for 98 days in vitro. Encapsulated human primary adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were adipogenically differentiated for 14 days and matured for an additional 84 days. Live-dead staining showed that encapsulated cells stayed viable until day 98, while intracellular lipid staining showed an increase over time and a differentiation rate of 76% between days 28 and 56. After 4 weeks of culture, adipocytes had a univacuolar morphology, expressed perilipin A, and secreted up to 73% more leptin. After bioprinting establishment, we demonstrated that the cells in printed hydrogels had high cell viability and exhibited an adipogenic phenotype and function. In summary, GG-based adipose tissue models show long-term stability and allow ASCs maturation into functional, univacuolar adipocytes.
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Wang Y, Lv HQ, Chao X, Xu WX, Liu Y, Ling GX, Zhang P. Multimodal therapy strategies based on hydrogels for the repair of spinal cord injury. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:16. [PMID: 35410314 PMCID: PMC9003987 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00376-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic disease of the central nervous system, which can give rise to the loss of motor and sensory function. Due to its complex pathological mechanism, the treatment of this disease still faces a huge challenge. Hydrogels with good biocompatibility and biodegradability can well imitate the extracellular matrix in the microenvironment of spinal cord. Hydrogels have been regarded as promising SCI repair material in recent years and continuous studies have confirmed that hydrogel-based therapy can effectively eliminate inflammation and promote spinal cord repair and regeneration to improve SCI. In this review, hydrogel-based multimodal therapeutic strategies to repair SCI are provided, and a combination of hydrogel scaffolds and other therapeutic modalities are discussed, with particular emphasis on the repair mechanism of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Hong-Qian Lv
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Xuan Chao
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Wen-Xin Xu
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Yun Liu
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Gui-Xia Ling
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 China
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Immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of the full and fractioned adipose tissue derived stem cells secretome in spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2022; 351:113989. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.113989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Vigani B, Valentino C, Cavalloro V, Catenacci L, Sorrenti M, Sandri G, Bonferoni MC, Bozzi C, Collina S, Rossi S, Ferrari F. Gellan-Based Composite System as a Potential Tool for the Treatment of Nervous Tissue Injuries: Cross-Linked Electrospun Nanofibers Embedded in a RC-33-Loaded Freeze-Dried Matrix. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020164. [PMID: 33530643 PMCID: PMC7912322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Injuries to the nervous system affect more than one billion people worldwide, and dramatically impact on the patient’s quality of life. The present work aimed to design and develop a gellan gum (GG)-based composite system for the local delivery of the neuroprotective sigma-1 receptor agonist, 1-[3-(1,1′-biphen)-4-yl] butylpiperidine (RC-33), as a potential tool for the treatment of tissue nervous injuries. The system, consisting of cross-linked electrospun nanofibers embedded in a RC-33-loaded freeze-dried matrix, was designed to bridge the lesion gap, control drug delivery and enhance axonal regrowth. The gradual matrix degradation should ensure the progressive interaction between the inner fibrous mat and the surrounding cellular environment. Nanofibers, prepared by electrospinning polymeric solutions containing GG, two different grades of poly (ethylene oxide) and poloxamer, were cross-linked with calcium ions. GG-based matrices, loaded with different amounts of RC-33, were prepared by freeze-drying. Dialysis studies and solid-state characterization pointed out the formation of an interaction product between GG and RC-33. RC-33-loaded freeze-dried matrices were characterized by the capability to absorb a high buffer content, forming a gel with marked viscoelastic properties, and by RC-33 controlled release properties. The presence of cross-linked nanofibers increased matrix mechanical resistance.
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